Friday Fictioneers is a weekly Flash Fiction challenge that features writers from all over the world. Use the photo prompt to write a 100-word story and join this group of Kool Kats, led by our talented and generous leader Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Check out her blog Addicted Purple, to read more stories, learn more, or join in. The photo this week was sent in by Douglas MacIlroy.

What a haunting image! While I think I know what it is, I’m taking a stab at Science Fiction in honor of Earth Day. I always appreciate honest, constructive feedback; please leave a comment.

“Not the ones that grew in fresh garden soil– you remember? The ones you and Ma grew … before the sun grew cold.”

Seamus gazed out the podhole at the icy land.

“No sense wishing for things we can’t have, luv. We’ve done fine with our “growing pods.” We have everything we had when the land was green: streams with fish, fruit trees… safety from the cold and ice.”

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About Dawn Quyle Landau

Mother, Writer, treasure hunter, aging red head, and sushi lover. This is my view on life, "Straight up, with a twist––" because life is too short to be subtle! Featured blogger for Huffington Post, and followed on Twitter by LeBron James– for reasons beyond my comprehension.

77 Responses to Friday Fictioneers: Requiem For the Sun (in honor of Earth Day 2015)

Interesting take on the earth’s future, Dawn. For the most part, I enjoyed the story. It’s true that there are some things well never be able to recreate. The last line seems just a little stilted for dialogue, but the sentiment and the warning are worth heeding.

Thanks so much Archon, and glad to see you on Tales From the Motherland. I tried “except sunshine and fresh air,” but thought there were too many “s” sounds back to back. I don’t think it flows as nicely. I’m not sure where you are suggesting I put the “led by our?” I appreciate the suggestions.

I’m sorry. I was commenting late at night, and time and intelligence were waning. In your prologue, above the actual story, you have “this group of Kool Kats, lead by our talented and generous leader Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.”
lead (leed) present-tense verb – to conduct, to guide
lead (led) noun – material bullets are made from
led (led) past-tense of above verb
I believe you intended to use the third word. These three are easy to mix up, and I’m a little (lot) OCD about homonyms. 🙄

Good story Dawn. What concerns me is that those who can afford it will have all those wonderful scientific benefits, while most of the poor will have struggled and died out. It’s like the movie “2012.” Well written as always. — Suzanne

What worked for me in this passage was the combination of characters that revealed a little of both the optimistic and the pessimistic. Regardless of your word choices (referred to in previous comments), some of both the light side and the dark side were revealed. It makes good science fiction because you incorporated real science.

It would be nice if it was also ‘real fiction,’ but alas, the story line seems all to real. Nice Earth Day tribute! – Mike

A very disturbing look into a possible future for the Earth. No sun or fresh air … and growing pots! What a terrible prospect. We certainly need to make drastic changes in order not to let things reach that state. A thought-provoking story, and so well written.

Very impressive Dawn – the perfect story for an eerie photo. Years ago (1972 to be exact) Bruce Dern starred in a movie called “Silent Running” which addressed this issue nicely – except he was in outer space. Here’s a link to the Youtube trailer:
~James

The line “before the sun grew cold” is rather haunting. I’m impressed anytime someone writes flash fiction. It’s really tough to pull off these short pieces and this one delivers a strong message while still entertaining. Nicely done!

I’m a fan of anything that keeps you writing, and I admire your discipline for sticking to a writing schedule amidst all the distractions of life. Plus great fun for all of us who get to read your shorts!

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Mother, Writer, treasure hunter, aging red head, and sushi lover. This is my view on life, "Straight up, with a twist––" because life is too short to be subtle! Featured blogger for Huffington Post, and followed on Twitter by LeBron James– for reasons beyond my comprehension.